John Salt

1937 – 2021

Birmingham-born painter John Salt holds a unique place in Ikon’s history, as the first artist to exhibit at the gallery in 1965 in its original Bullring venue. Subsequently, he had another two solo exhibitions at Ikon, in 1975 and 2011, both demonstrating his abiding interest in cars and what they symbolised. In 2014, Salt was one of our Ikon Icons, representing the 1960s when Ikon celebrated its 50th anniversary.

“John Salt was not only a very gifted artist, but also a wonderful man. His modesty and unpretentiousness belied an international reputation, well deserved, and it was a privilege to know him.” Jonathan Watkins, Ikon Director.